How To Train Your Dragon Review
Grade: B-
I was invited to an early screening of the live action ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ (Look Mom, I’ve made it!) and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I know many faithful fans very much dislike the idea they did a live action at all. I did very much enjoy the animated version but not emotionally tied to the franchise like I know many are.
The movie was overall enjoyable and I did have fun watching it. My thing is it really didn’t bring anything new to the table. It was pretty much a scene for scene copy of the animated movie, dialogue and all. It also lacked the charm the animated movie had, the magic was there, just not the same magic.
The performances were great though and I’ll say that there is more of an emotional journey with the characters because they are being acted by real people that can show human emotion rather than the limitations of an animated character.
I will say Gerard Butler is amazing in this role. He was born to play Stoick The Vast as much as he was meant to be Leonidas in 300. He brings the same energy as the animated movie but no longer bound to a recording studio.
Mason Thames did great as Hiccup and glad he didn’t do a Jay Baruchel impersonation. This is where I was talking about being able to see more emotion and he accomplishes that.
Nico Parker did great as well but I wouldn’t call it a standout performance. She fits the role of Astrid, and in this movie, she is a complimentary character, and she fills that role nicely.
Honestly the other characters have their moments but they don’t stand out as much as they did in the animated movie. Gabriel Howell as Snotlout did get some good moments though.
Overall it’s a good movie. My wife enjoyed the movie and she felt it was more entertaining than the animated movie. So different takes for different people for sure. I do think faithful fans will pick it apart and find many things wrong but if you need something to take the family to this weekend, couldn’t go wrong here
